KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Jordan Schafer sped through the express lane of the Atlanta Braves’ farm system, reaching the big leagues at age 22.

He started in center field on opening day, belting the fifth major league pitch he saw for a home run off Brett Myers.

Life is what happened to Schafer before the music from “The Natural” became the soundtrack to his career. Time has marched on enough for Myers to go from Phillies starter to Astros starter to Astros closer, but Schafer is trying to establish himself as an everyday player in the majors.

Schafer, 25, is a member of the Astros because the Braves traded him and three other players to get Michael Bourn to fill a void in center field.

“At 22, physically I was ready to be in the big leagues,” Schafer said. “But maturity-wise and mentally, I was nowhere near ready.”

Schafer is making it his life’s work to prove his mind is catching up with his body. After an offseason of embarrassment, complete with an arrest for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Schafer is receiving rave reviews on and off the field. The lefthanded hitter showed up for his first spring training with the Astros with an extra 20 pounds in the right places. Carrying a solid 204 pounds on his 6-1 frame, Schafer has an otherworldly .381/.481/.522 batting line this spring, with 10 runs after only 27 plate appearances.

“I feel like I can do everything on the baseball field,” Schafer said. “The game is a lot more than just your physical tools. It’s a grind on you mentally, on and off the field. I’ve been though a lot, ups and downs.”

The latest downer came Sunday, when Schafer injured his left hand making a catch during a 9-5 victory over the Mets. The X-rays were negative, and the diagnosis was a sprain that leaves his status day-to-day.

Top Braves prospect

Drafted in the third round in 2005, Schafer quickly emerged as a top Braves prospect. He led all the minor leagues in hits in 2007, only to get suspended for 50 games the next year for a violation of baseball’s performance-enhancing drug policy. He opened 2009 in the majors but was back in the minors by June.

Surgery on his left wrist after the 2009 season led to a lost 2010 as he hit .201 in the minors. Schafer got back to the majors last season, batting .242 and stealing 22 bases in 26 tries.

“I feel comfortable on the field being me,” said Schafer, who has a .228 average in 469 at-bats. “Once you start having success, you start getting that swag back about yourself.”

One step, Schafer said, was taking stock of himself after an October arrest in Florida that left him “beyond frustrated” with himself. Schafer agreed in November to a pretrial intervention program that requires him to submit to drug testing. Successful completion of the program will expunge the charges.

“I was like, ‘Hey, I’ve got to grow up and make better decisions in my life,’ ” Schafer said. “It’s sad that it took that. But I’m glad that it got my attention.”

Manager Brad Mills sees a center fielder who is “on a mission.” The difference, Mills said, is Schafer’s approach. To everything. Third-base coach Dave Clark sees a player with talents similar to those of Bourn: lefthanded-hitting center fielder, speedy enough to roam from gap to gap and create havoc on offense.

“He’s just going to continue to get better, because his work ethic is really off the chart,” Clark said.

Sunday, Schafer walked and came around to score in his first two plate appearances. He made a running, sprawling catch to end the third inning, only to land awkwardly on his left hand. In his previous start, he had two hits, stole two bases and scored twice.

Good work ethic

“He just plays the game hard,” veteran outfielder Jack Cust said. “He seems real focused. He reminds me of a young Steve Finley. The outfield is real easy for him, he’s got a great arm, and he’s putting together some good at-bats.”

So many physical tools. Such a better idea of how to use them.

“It’s kind of weird, but I’m thankful for the things — good and bad — that have happened in my career to get me to this point,” Schafer said. “I feel comfortable now. I think I’m ready to go.”

steve.campbell@chron.com

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Baseball is a numbers game. No other professional sport has as deep a tradition in stats as baseball. But the most fundamental number for each player is his jersey number. Here, we give you the best Astros for each jersey number. Some were easy (either because it was Jeff Bagwell or because only one player wore that number). Others were tough. We went with the number the players used the most. So, Craig Biggio, who wore No. 4 in 1987-88, will not be No. 4. He's No. 7, of course. The following numbers have never been used: 69, 70, 72, 74-76, 78-98. less

Baseball is a numbers game. No other professional sport has as deep a tradition in stats as baseball. But the most fundamental number for each player is his jersey number. Here, we give you the best Astros for ... more

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00 — John Mayberry: He started his career with the Astros in 1968 and played four years here before leaving for Kansas City. He was an All-Star and finished second in the MVP voting in 1975 with the Royals. He played in 105 games as an Astro.
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00 — John Mayberry: He started his career with the Astros in 1968 and played four years here before leaving for Kansas City. He was an All-Star and finished second in the MVP voting in 1975 with the Royals. ... more

Photo: AP

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1 — Willy Taveras: He was second in rookie of the year voting in 2005 and is most well known for the longest hit streak in Astros history.

1 — Willy Taveras: He was second in rookie of the year voting in 2005 and is most well known for the longest hit streak in Astros history.

Photo: Kevin Fujii / Chronicle

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2 — Chris Burke: Burke never lived up to expectations, but the 18th-inning home run alone has him in this spot.

2 — Chris Burke: Burke never lived up to expectations, but the 18th-inning home run alone has him in this spot.

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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3 — Phil Garner: Scrap Iron, named that because of his gritty style of play, was a popular player in the 1980s and led the Astros to the World Series as a manager in 2005.

3 — Phil Garner: Scrap Iron, named that because of his gritty style of play, was a popular player in the 1980s and led the Astros to the World Series as a manager in 2005.

Photo: Steve Campbell / Chronicle

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4 — Julio Lugo: Lugo hit .268 with 28 homers and 114 RBIs in three-plus years with the Astros before being released because of an arrest stemming from a domestic dispute.

4 — Julio Lugo: Lugo hit .268 with 28 homers and 114 RBIs in three-plus years with the Astros before being released because of an arrest stemming from a domestic dispute.

Photo: Christobal Perez / Chronicle

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5 — Jeff Bagwell: The Astros have 10 uniform numbers retired (including MLB-wide No. 42 for Jackie Robinson). Bagwell is first on the list, in numerical order. Bagwell, the 1994 National League MVP, is first in franchise history in home runs (449) and RBIs (1,529) and second in career batting average (.297).
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5 — Jeff Bagwell: The Astros have 10 uniform numbers retired (including MLB-wide No. 42 for Jackie Robinson). Bagwell is first on the list, in numerical order. Bagwell, the 1994 National League MVP, is first ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran / Chronicle

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6 — Luis Pujols: He caught 311 games for the Astros in seven seasons and hit better than .200 just twice. Later became a manager with the Corpus Christi Hooks.

6 — Luis Pujols: He caught 311 games for the Astros in seven seasons and hit better than .200 just twice. Later became a manager with the Corpus Christi Hooks.

Photo: Chronicle

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7 — Craig Biggio: Biggio, whose number is retired, is the only player in Astros history with 3,000 hits (3,060 to be exact). He's also third in home runs (291) and second in RBIs (1,175).

7 — Craig Biggio: Biggio, whose number is retired, is the only player in Astros history with 3,000 hits (3,060 to be exact). He's also third in home runs (291) and second in RBIs (1,175).

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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8 — Yogi Berra: The legendary Yankee was a bench coach with the Astros from 1985-1989 and made it to the NLCS in 1986.

8 — Yogi Berra: The legendary Yankee was a bench coach with the Astros from 1985-1989 and made it to the NLCS in 1986.

Photo: Tim Johnson / AP

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9 — Hunter Pence: Pence was a two-time All-Star in his five years in Houston and was a fan favorite. He hit 103 homers and batted .290 in his Astros career.

9 — Hunter Pence: Pence was a two-time All-Star in his five years in Houston and was a fan favorite. He hit 103 homers and batted .290 in his Astros career.

Photo: Mark J. Terrill / Chronicle

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10 — Mike Hampton: Hampton had his best career year in 1999 with the Astros, when he went 22-4 with a 2.90 ERA and finished second in the Cy Young Award voting.

10 — Mike Hampton: Hampton had his best career year in 1999 with the Astros, when he went 22-4 with a 2.90 ERA and finished second in the Cy Young Award voting.

Photo: Courtesy of the Astros

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11 — Brad Ausmus: Ausmus was a three-time Gold Glove-winning catcher and reached the playoffs five times in his 10 years with the Astros. His best offensive year was 1998, when he hit .269 with nine homers and 54 RBIs.
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11 — Brad Ausmus: Ausmus was a three-time Gold Glove-winning catcher and reached the playoffs five times in his 10 years with the Astros. His best offensive year was 1998, when he hit .269 with nine homers ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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12 — Doug Rader: Rader won five straight Gold Gloves at third base from 1970-1974 and finished seventh in the NL with 90 RBIs in 1972. He played nine years with the Astros.

12 — Doug Rader: Rader won five straight Gold Gloves at third base from 1970-1974 and finished seventh in the NL with 90 RBIs in 1972. He played nine years with the Astros.

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13 — Billy Wagner: Wagner is the Astros' career leader in saves with 225. He was a three-time All-Star with the Astros and finished fourth in the Cy Young voting in 1999, when he had 39 saves and a 1.57 ERA. He was on six Astros playoff teams.
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13 — Billy Wagner: Wagner is the Astros' career leader in saves with 225. He was a three-time All-Star with the Astros and finished fourth in the Cy Young voting in 1999, when he had 39 saves and a 1.57 ERA. ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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14 — Morgan Ensberg: Ensberg played seven years with the Astros, with his best year being 2005. He had 36 homers and 101 RBIs and finished fourth in the MVP voting.

14 — Morgan Ensberg: Ensberg played seven years with the Astros, with his best year being 2005. He had 36 homers and 101 RBIs and finished fourth in the MVP voting.

Photo: Steve Ueckert / Chronicle

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15 — Richard Hidalgo: He played eight years with the Astros, with 134 home runs, 465 RBIs and a .278 batting average. His best year was 2000, when he was fourth in NL in homers (44) and seventh in RBIs (122).
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15 — Richard Hidalgo: He played eight years with the Astros, with 134 home runs, 465 RBIs and a .278 batting average. His best year was 2000, when he was fourth in NL in homers (44) and seventh in RBIs ... more

Photo: AP

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16 — Rafael Ramirez: Ramirez had his best years with the Braves, but he played five solid seasons with the Astros. He hit .257 in 1,957 at-bats.

16 — Rafael Ramirez: Ramirez had his best years with the Braves, but he played five solid seasons with the Astros. He hit .257 in 1,957 at-bats.

Photo: AP

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17 — Lance Berkman: Berkman might be next in line to have his number retired. He is second in career homers (291) and third in RBIs (1,090) as an Astro. He was traded to the Yankees at mid-season in 2010, and he had an All-Star season in 2011 for the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.
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17 — Lance Berkman: Berkman might be next in line to have his number retired. He is second in career homers (291) and third in RBIs (1,090) as an Astro. He was traded to the Yankees at mid-season in 2010, ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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18 — Joe Morgan: The Hall of Famer was most well-known for his time with the Reds, when he was a two-time MVP. But Morgan started his career with the Astros and was a two-time All-Star in his nine years in Houston.
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18 — Joe Morgan: The Hall of Famer was most well-known for his time with the Reds, when he was a two-time MVP. But Morgan started his career with the Astros and was a two-time All-Star in his nine years in ... more

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19 — Bill Doran: He played nine years at second base for the Astros from 1982-1990. Had his best year in 1987, when he hit .283 and played every game.

19 — Bill Doran: He played nine years at second base for the Astros from 1982-1990. Had his best year in 1987, when he hit .283 and played every game.

Photo: Steve Campbell / Chronicle

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20 — Tony Eusebio: He was a catcher on four playoff teams during his nine years with the Astros. He hit .299 in 113 games in 1995.

20 — Tony Eusebio: He was a catcher on four playoff teams during his nine years with the Astros. He hit .299 in 113 games in 1995.

Photo: Steve Campbell / Chronicle

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21 — Terry Puhl: Puhl is one of the longest tenured Astros with 14 seasons in Houston. He was an All-Star outfielder in his second year in 1978.

21 — Terry Puhl: Puhl is one of the longest tenured Astros with 14 seasons in Houston. He was an All-Star outfielder in his second year in 1978.

Photo: Courtesy of the Astros

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22 — Roger Clemens: The Houston native won his final of seven Cy Young awards with the Astros in 2004 and guided them to the World Series in 2005. He only pitched in 84 games here (38-18 record), but what a great ride it was.
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22 — Roger Clemens: The Houston native won his final of seven Cy Young awards with the Astros in 2004 and guided them to the World Series in 2005. He only pitched in 84 games here (38-18 record), but what a ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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23 — Enos Cabell: He played eight years with the Astros, with his best season coming in 1978. He finished with a career-high 71 RBIs. He is a much-beloved figure who has done lots of good work in the community in conjunction with the Astros.
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23 — Enos Cabell: He played eight years with the Astros, with his best season coming in 1978. He finished with a career-high 71 RBIs. He is a much-beloved figure who has done lots of good work in the ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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24 — Jimmy Wynn: Wynn had his number retired after a stellar career in which he finished in the top 10 in Astros history in numerous offensive categories — including fourth all-time with 223 home runs.

24 — Jimmy Wynn: Wynn had his number retired after a stellar career in which he finished in the top 10 in Astros history in numerous offensive categories — including fourth all-time with 223 home runs.

Photo: Bill Clough / Chronicle

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25 — Jose Cruz: Cruz also finished in the top 10 in Astros history in numerous offensive categories — including third all-time with 1,937 hits. He was third in the NL MVP race in 1980 and finished with a league-best 189 hits in 1983.
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25 — Jose Cruz: Cruz also finished in the top 10 in Astros history in numerous offensive categories — including third all-time with 1,937 hits. He was third in the NL MVP race in 1980 and finished with a ... more

Photo: Julio Cortez / Chronicle

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26 — Luis Gonzalez: Gonzo was a five-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Diamondbacks, but he started his career in Houston. He hit .266 with 62 homers in seven years as an Astro.

26 — Luis Gonzalez: Gonzo was a five-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Diamondbacks, but he started his career in Houston. He hit .266 with 62 homers in seven years as an Astro.

Photo: Courtesy of the Astros

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27 — Bob Watson: Watson played 14 seasons with the Astros and was a two-time All-Star. He finished with a .297 career average, tied for second-best in franchise history.

27 — Bob Watson: Watson played 14 seasons with the Astros and was a two-time All-Star. He finished with a .297 career average, tied for second-best in franchise history.

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28 — Cesar Cedeno: Cedeno was a four-time All-Star in his 12 years with the Astros. He won five straight Gold Gloves in the outfield and had the second-best NL batting average in 1972 with .320.

28 — Cesar Cedeno: Cedeno was a four-time All-Star in his 12 years with the Astros. He won five straight Gold Gloves in the outfield and had the second-best NL batting average in 1972 with .320.

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29 — Denny Walling: Walling played 13 years in Houston and was one of the biggest fan favorites. His most productive offensive season with 1986, when he hit .312 and had career highs in homers (13) and RBIs (58).
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29 — Denny Walling: Walling played 13 years in Houston and was one of the biggest fan favorites. His most productive offensive season with 1986, when he hit .312 and had career highs in homers (13) and RBIs ... more

Photo: Ben Desoto / Chronicle

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30 — John Tamargo: The assistant coach played a huge rule in the success of Jeff Bagwell, helping him make the transition from third to first base.

30 — John Tamargo: The assistant coach played a huge rule in the success of Jeff Bagwell, helping him make the transition from third to first base.

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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31 — Don Larsen: Larsen was 4-8 in 31 games as an Astro. But it's tough to go against the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in World Series history — even if he did it as a Yankee.

31 — Don Larsen: Larsen was 4-8 in 31 games as an Astro. But it's tough to go against the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in World Series history — even if he did it as a Yankee.

Photo: AP

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32 — Jim Umbricht: Umbricht was 8-3 in two seasons on the hill for the Astros. He is most well known for his battle against cancer. He underwent surgery to have a tumor removed in March 1963 but came back the next season and went 4-3 with a 2.61 ERA. He died the day before the 1964 campaign, and his jersey was immediately retired.
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32 — Jim Umbricht: Umbricht was 8-3 in two seasons on the hill for the Astros. He is most well known for his battle against cancer. He underwent surgery to have a tumor removed in March 1963 but came back ... more

Photo: AP

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33 — Mike Scott: The Astros pitching legend's jersey is retired. He is fourth all-time in wins and is responsible for one of the most memorable games in franchise history — no-hitting the Giants to clinch the 1986 NL West title. Scott won the Cy Young award that season.
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33 — Mike Scott: The Astros pitching legend's jersey is retired. He is fourth all-time in wins and is responsible for one of the most memorable games in franchise history — no-hitting the Giants to clinch ... more

Photo: Steve Campbell / Chronicle

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34 — Nolan Ryan: The Hall of Famer and pitching icon won 106 games in nine years with the Astros and is No. 1 in franchise history in strikeouts. He threw one of his seven no-hitters as an Astro and helped lead the team to division titles in 1980 and 1981.
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34 — Nolan Ryan: The Hall of Famer and pitching icon won 106 games in nine years with the Astros and is No. 1 in franchise history in strikeouts. He threw one of his seven no-hitters as an Astro and helped ... more

Photo: Timothy Bullard / Chronicle

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35 — Joe Sambito: Sambito finished 33-32 record and 72 saves with a 2.42 ERA in eight seasons with the Astros. He was fifth in the Cy Young voting in 1980, when he went 8-4 with 17 saves and a 2.19 ERA.

35 — Joe Sambito: Sambito finished 33-32 record and 72 saves with a 2.42 ERA in eight seasons with the Astros. He was fifth in the Cy Young voting in 1980, when he went 8-4 with 17 saves and a 2.19 ERA.

Photo: Courtesy of the Astros

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36 — Joe Niekro: The knuckleball pitcher is the winningest pitcher in Astros history with 144 wins. He played 11 of his 22 seasons in Houston and had a career-best and NL-best 21 wins in 1979, when he was second in the Cy Young voting.
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36 — Joe Niekro: The knuckleball pitcher is the winningest pitcher in Astros history with 144 wins. He played 11 of his 22 seasons in Houston and had a career-best and NL-best 21 wins in 1979, when he was ... more

Photo: Micheal Boddy / Chronicle

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37 — Shane Reynolds: Reynolds won 103 games in 11 years with the Astros and was on four playoff teams. He started an NL-best 35 games in each 1998 and 1999 and was an All-Star in 2000. He had a career-high 19 wins in 1998.
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37 — Shane Reynolds: Reynolds won 103 games in 11 years with the Astros and was on four playoff teams. He started an NL-best 35 games in each 1998 and 1999 and was an All-Star in 2000. He had a career-high ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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38 — Tom Griffin: Griffin went 45-60 in eight years with the Astros. His best season was in 1974, when he went 14-10.

38 — Tom Griffin: Griffin went 45-60 in eight years with the Astros. His best season was in 1974, when he went 14-10.

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39 — Bob Knepper: The hurler went 93-100 in nine seasons with the Astros. He was a two-time All-Star and finished with a career-best 17 wins in 1978 and 1986. He had an NL-best six shutouts in 1978.

39 — Bob Knepper: The hurler went 93-100 in nine seasons with the Astros. He was a two-time All-Star and finished with a career-best 17 wins in 1978 and 1986. He had an NL-best six shutouts in 1978.

Photo: Timothy Bullard / Chronicle

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40 — Don Wilson: Wilson, who had 104 wins in nine seasons, was on his way to becoming an Astros legend when he died in 1975. He was found dead in his car in the garage with the engine running. The garage was attached to the house, which caused his son, Alex, to die. The deaths were ruled accidental. Wilson's number was immediately retired.
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40 — Don Wilson: Wilson, who had 104 wins in nine seasons, was on his way to becoming an Astros legend when he died in 1975. He was found dead in his car in the garage with the engine running. The garage was ... more

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41 — Brandon Backe: Backe finished 30-28 in six seasons with the Astros. He had his best year in 2005, when the Astros went to the World Series. He finished with a career-best 10 wins in the regular season and earned two postseason victories.
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41 — Brandon Backe: Backe finished 30-28 in six seasons with the Astros. He had his best year in 2005, when the Astros went to the World Series. He finished with a career-best 10 wins in the regular season ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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42 — Jose Lima: Lima, who pitched in Houston for five years, had one of the most successful seasons in franchise history in 1999. He finished 21-10 with a 3.58 ERA and was named an All-Star. The No. 42 was retired by MLB to honor Jackie Robinson in 1997.
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42 — Jose Lima: Lima, who pitched in Houston for five years, had one of the most successful seasons in franchise history in 1999. He finished 21-10 with a 3.58 ERA and was named an All-Star. The No. 42 was ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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43 — Ken Forsch: He went 78-81 in 11 seasons with the Astros. He also was a reliever for four seasons and finished with 50 career saves. He was an all-star in the bullpen in 1976.

43 — Ken Forsch: He went 78-81 in 11 seasons with the Astros. He also was a reliever for four seasons and finished with 50 career saves. He was an all-star in the bullpen in 1976.

Photo: Steve Ueckert / Chronicle

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44 — Roy Oswalt: Oswalt finished one win behind Niekro on the Astros' all-time list before he was traded to the Phillies in midseason 2010. He finished 143-82 in 10 years in Houston. He was a three-time all-star and finished with a NL-best 20 wins in 2004. He had a 3-2 record in five postseason stars for the Astros.
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44 — Roy Oswalt: Oswalt finished one win behind Niekro on the Astros' all-time list before he was traded to the Phillies in midseason 2010. He finished 143-82 in 10 years in Houston. He was a three-time ... more

Photo: Julio Cortez / Chronicle

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45 — Carlos Lee: Lee is tied for 10th on the Astros all-time home run list with 128. He is entering his sixth season with the Astros and 14th season overall. He has 504 RBIs with Houston and a career batting average of .286 here. He was an All-Star with the Astros in 2007.
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45 — Carlos Lee: Lee is tied for 10th on the Astros all-time home run list with 128. He is entering his sixth season with the Astros and 14th season overall. He has 504 RBIs with Houston and a career batting ... more

Photo: Patrick T Fallon / Chronicle

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46 — Hal Woodeshick: Woodeshick played four seasons with the Astros from 1962-1965. He was an All-Star in 1963, when he went 11-9. The following year, he led the NL with 23 saves.

46 — Hal Woodeshick: Woodeshick played four seasons with the Astros from 1962-1965. He was an All-Star in 1963, when he went 11-9. The following year, he led the NL with 23 saves.

Photo: AP

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47 — Joaquin Andujar: Andujar, known as a real character with the Astros, went 44-53 in seven seasons and was a two-time all-star. He later went on to more success with the Cardinals, including a 20-win seasons in 1984.
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47 — Joaquin Andujar: Andujar, known as a real character with the Astros, went 44-53 in seven seasons and was a two-time all-star. He later went on to more success with the Cardinals, including a 20-win ... more

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48 — Fred Gladding: Gladding is fourth in Astros history with 76 saves. He finished with an NL-best 29 saves in 1969, his best season.

48 — Fred Gladding: Gladding is fourth in Astros history with 76 saves. He finished with an NL-best 29 saves in 1969, his best season.

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49 — Larry Dierker: Dierker is an Astros legend, simply put. Dierker, whose number was retired in 2002, finished with 137 wins (third-most in franchise history) and won four division titles in five years as Astros manager from 1997-2001.
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49 — Larry Dierker: Dierker is an Astros legend, simply put. Dierker, whose number was retired in 2002, finished with 137 wins (third-most in franchise history) and won four division titles in five years as ... more

Photo: D Fahleson / Chronicle

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50 — J.R. Richard: Richard is fifth all-time in wins in Astros history with 107, but his career was cut short. He had a stroke in the middle of the 1980 season and never pitched again. He had the best season of his career the year before, finishing with an NL-best 2.71 ERA and earning third-place in the Cy Young race.
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50 — J.R. Richard: Richard is fifth all-time in wins in Astros history with 107, but his career was cut short. He had a stroke in the middle of the 1980 season and never pitched again. He had the best season ... more

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51 — Wandy Rodriguez: Rodriguez posted an 80-84 record in his eight seasons in Houston. He had a career-best 14 wins in 2009.

51 — Wandy Rodriguez: Rodriguez posted an 80-84 record in his eight seasons in Houston. He had a career-best 14 wins in 2009.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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52 — Wade Miller: Miller was 58-39 from 1999-2004 with the Astros. He had 16 wins in 2001, his best season.

52 — Wade Miller: Miller was 58-39 from 1999-2004 with the Astros. He had 16 wins in 2001, his best season.

Photo: Christobal Perez / Chronicle

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53 — Brian Williams: Williams finished seventh in the rookie of the year voting in 1992. He finished 19-17 in five years with the Astros.

53 — Brian Williams: Williams finished seventh in the rookie of the year voting in 1992. He finished 19-17 in five years with the Astros.

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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54 — Brad Lidge: Lidge is third in Astros history with 123 saves and took over for Billy Wagner as the team's closer during a terrific run of playoff teams.

54 — Brad Lidge: Lidge is third in Astros history with 123 saves and took over for Billy Wagner as the team's closer during a terrific run of playoff teams.

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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55 — Humberto Quintero: Quintero played seven seasons with the Astros before being dealt to the Royals this offseason. He hit .234 in his Astros career.

55 — Humberto Quintero: Quintero played seven seasons with the Astros before being dealt to the Royals this offseason. He hit .234 in his Astros career.

Photo: Mayra Beltran / Chronicle

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56 — Jim Bouton: Bouton closed on his 10-year career with two seasons in Houston. He was just 4-8. But Bouton is best known as the author of "Ball Four," a controversial book in which he chronicles the 1969 season — including time with the Astros.
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56 — Jim Bouton: Bouton closed on his 10-year career with two seasons in Houston. He was just 4-8. But Bouton is best known as the author of "Ball Four," a controversial book in which he chronicles the 1969 ... more

Photo: AP

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57 — Darryl Kile: Kile was a two-time All-Star with the Astros, including a 19-win 1997 season. He threw a no-hitter in 1993. In 2002, while with the Cardinals, Kile had a fatal heart attack, becoming the first active MLB player to die during the season since 1979. The Astros retired Kile's jersey number.
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57 — Darryl Kile: Kile was a two-time All-Star with the Astros, including a 19-win 1997 season. He threw a no-hitter in 1993. In 2002, while with the Cardinals, Kile had a fatal heart attack, becoming the ... more

Photo: RICK BOWMER / AP

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58 — Dan Miceli: Miceli was already a veteran pitcher when he came to the Astros for a two-year stint in 2003. He was a key reliever on the 2004 playoff team, going 6-6 with a 3.59 ERA.

58 — Dan Miceli: Miceli was already a veteran pitcher when he came to the Astros for a two-year stint in 2003. He was a key reliever on the 2004 playoff team, going 6-6 with a 3.59 ERA.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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59 — Todd Jones: Jones enjoyed a 16-year career, which started with four seasons in Houston. He was 18-12 with 39 saves and a 3.27 ERA in his time here. He had a career-best 42 saves in 2000 with the Tigers.
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59 — Todd Jones: Jones enjoyed a 16-year career, which started with four seasons in Houston. He was 18-12 with 39 saves and a 3.27 ERA in his time here. He had a career-best 42 saves in 2000 with the ... more

Photo: MICHAEL DWYER / AP

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60 — Jeriome Robertson: The young hurler won 15 games in his rookie season in 2003 with the Astros. In 2004, the Astros added Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens, leaving no room in the rotation. Robertson failed in the bullpen and was traded to the Indians. He pitched in eight games in the 2004 season. In 2010, he died in a motorcycle accident.
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60 — Jeriome Robertson: The young hurler won 15 games in his rookie season in 2003 with the Astros. In 2004, the Astros added Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens, leaving no room in the rotation. Robertson ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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61 — Strech Suba: Suba was an assistant coach with the Astros for 36 years.

61 — Strech Suba: Suba was an assistant coach with the Astros for 36 years.

Photo: AP

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62 — Mark McLemore: We now get to the default section of the jersey numbers, meaning the players are picked by default since they were the only one or one of very few players to wear the number. McLemore went 3-0 with a 3.86 ERA and 35 innings pitched in 29 appearances in 2007.
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62 — Mark McLemore: We now get to the default section of the jersey numbers, meaning the players are picked by default since they were the only one or one of very few players to wear the number. McLemore ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran / Chronicle

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63 — Samuel Gervacio: Gervacio went 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA in 24.2 innings pitched in 35 appearances in 2009-2010.

63 — Samuel Gervacio: Gervacio went 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA in 24.2 innings pitched in 35 appearances in 2009-2010.

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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64 — Fernando Nieve: Nieve was 3-3 with a 4.20 ERA in 11 starts in 2006 with the Astros.

64 — Fernando Nieve: Nieve was 3-3 with a 4.20 ERA in 11 starts in 2006 with the Astros.

Photo: Kevin Fujii / Chronicle

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65 — Troy Patton: Patton went 0-2 in two starts in 2007.

65 — Troy Patton: Patton went 0-2 in two starts in 2007.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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66 — Enerio Del Rosario: He went 0-3 with a 4.58 ERA in 53 innings as a reliever in 2011.

66 — Enerio Del Rosario: He went 0-3 with a 4.58 ERA in 53 innings as a reliever in 2011.

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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67 — David Carpenter: Carpenter showed up in 64 relief appearances for the Astros from 2011-2012.

67 — David Carpenter: Carpenter showed up in 64 relief appearances for the Astros from 2011-2012.

Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images

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68 — Jose Cisnero: Cisnero has pitched in 20 games for the Astros (before the 2013 All-Star break) while posting a 2.87 ERA.

68 — Jose Cisnero: Cisnero has pitched in 20 games for the Astros (before the 2013 All-Star break) while posting a 2.87 ERA.

Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images

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71 — Juan Gutierrez: He went 1-1 with a 5.91 ERA in three starts and seven games with the Astros in 2007.

71 — Juan Gutierrez: He went 1-1 with a 5.91 ERA in three starts and seven games with the Astros in 2007.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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73 — Gustavo Chacin: Chacin won 13 games with the Blue Jays in 2005, but he was just 2-2 with a 4.70 ERA in 38.1 innings as a reliever with the Astros in 2010.

73 — Gustavo Chacin: Chacin won 13 games with the Blue Jays in 2005, but he was just 2-2 with a 4.70 ERA in 38.1 innings as a reliever with the Astros in 2010.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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77 — Ivan Rodriguez: The future Hall of Fame catcher hit. 251 with eight homers and 34 RBIs in 93 games with the Astros in 2009.

77 — Ivan Rodriguez: The future Hall of Fame catcher hit. 251 with eight homers and 34 RBIs in 93 games with the Astros in 2009.

Photo: Julio Cortez / Chronicle

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99 — Mitch Williams: Williams, who was an All-Star earlier in his career, went 1-4 with a 7.65 ERA in 20 innings pitched with the Astros in 1994. Williams is probably most well-known for giving up the World Series-clinching homer to Toronto's Joe Carter while with the Phillies in 1993.
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99 — Mitch Williams: Williams, who was an All-Star earlier in his career, went 1-4 with a 7.65 ERA in 20 innings pitched with the Astros in 1994. Williams is probably most well-known for giving up the World ... more